Novak Djokovic (left) and Stefanos Tsitsipas face each other in the men's singles finals of the Australian Open on Sunday (Jan 29, 2023). (Anadolu)
ISTANBUL – Novak Djokovic defeated Tommy Paul in straight sets Friday to face Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open men's singles finals on Sunday.
The No. 5-ranked Djokovic from Serbia won the semifinal round with sets of 7-5, 6-1, and 6-2 after two hours and 20 minutes at the Rod Laver Arena.
"Obviously, I won that match, so my recollections are positive, but I was 2-0 down and it was his first Grand Slam final," Djokovic said after his win over Paul. "It was a mental, physical and emotional battle, as it always is against Stefanos. I respect him a lot."
With the result, the 35-year-old, a record nine-time winner in Melbourne, surged into a 10th Australian Open finals.
Meanwhile, Paul, 25, became the first American man to qualify for the Australian Open semifinals since Andy Roddick in 2009.
Earlier Friday, Tsitsipas, the No. 3 seed, moved to his maiden Australian Open finals in men's singles after beating 20th seed Karen Khachanov from Russia.
Djokovic will meet Tsitsipas on the court on Sunday. (Anadolu)
